Top scorer Antonio Di Natale made an instant impact on his return from suspension to inspire Udinese to victory over Livorno.

Di Natale curled in a sublime free-kick to give the home side the lead after 29 minutes before Antonio Floro Flores doubled the lead 10 minutes later.

Livorno came into the game with renewed confidence after last weekend's triumph over Genoa.

The Tuscan outfit bounced back from two straight defeats with a 2-1 win over Genoa, Nico Pulzetti's last-gasp winner handing the Amaranto maximum points.

But Livorno coach Serse Cosmi will be furious to have slumped to defeat today, having demanded a repeat performance following the Genoa win.

That never looked on the cards as Udinese started the brightest and first threatened on 22 minutes.

Kwadwo Asamoah produced a bright run into the Livorno half and struck a fierce shot which Alfonso De Lucia palmed wide.

The home side took the lead on 29 minutes and it was Di Natale who grabbed the glory on his return from a one-match ban.

Livorno conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area and Di Natale punished them in emphatic fashion, curling a shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

The visitors tried to regroup but fell further behind after 39 minutes.

Aleksander Lukovic was the provider, sending over a cross from the left which Floro Flores headed beyond De Lucia and into the far corner.

Further chances were hard to come by with Davide Moro winning many of the aerial challenges with Floro Flores before clearing the danger.

But Livorno rarely threatened to get back into the game either.

Their best chance came after 77 minutes when Cristiano Lucarelli collected Antonio Filippini's cross only to shoot wide.

The defeat means Livorno have only managed to collect four points in seven away outings this season.

That is hardly surprising given they have the least potent forward line in Serie A, with just six goals scored so far.

The visitors were without defender Fabio Galante, midfielder Mozart and striker Francesco through injury, although midfielder Cristian Raimondi returned from suspension.

However, defeat leaves them 18th in the table and looking like facing a long battle against relegation.